Pycnogenol is a trademarked brand of French maritime pine bark extract; a dietary supplement with purported anti-aging benefits. It contains roughly 70% proanthocyanidin compounds and flavonoids which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Taking Pycnogenol seems to improve cardiovascular efficiency, immune functioning, energy levels and protect against some forms of damage associated with aging. Using pycnogenol for improved focus, mental energy and better control of ADHD symptoms also seems to be effects.

The active phytonutrients contained in pycnogenol have been used for centuries as versatile medicinal agents without serious side effects. What are the medicinal benefits of using Pycnogenol and how does it work?

This results in relaxed and dilated blood vessels that are better able to deliver increased amounts of blood throughout the body.

Furthermore, Pycnogenol improved circulation without increasing blood pressure which can put added strain on the heart. Numerous health problems are linked to insufficient circulation through the body.

When more oxygen, nutrients and repair agents are transported through the circulatory system to our organs and cells, general improvements in health may result.

Enhanced circulatory efficacy from pycnogenol supplementation may reduce some of the serious risk factors correlated with coronary artery disease and heart disease. In one study, pycnogenol was administered at 200mg daily for six weeks to adult humans with coronary artery disease. A 32% improvement in blood volume delivery was achieved.

In other human trials, LDL and total cholesterol levels were diminished by as much as 19%. Also, HDL cholesterol levels increased significantly, improving overall blood lipid profiles.

Impulsivity symptoms including talking out of turn, impatience, blurting out answers to questions prematurely, starting conversations at inappropriate times and talking inappropriately in social/work situations.

Using pycnogenol for ADHD treatment has been investigated in a small number of studies. While it has not been demonstrated as effective for controlling ADHD symptoms in adults, it has been observed to improve symptoms in young children and adolescents.

These improvements are believed to be associated with decreases in certain catecholamine substances, including adrenaline and dopamine, found in urine samples.

In another study involving 61 children with ADHD, pycnogenol was administered each day at a rate of 1 milligram per kilogram of bodyweight. After 4 weeks of supplementation, the treatment group showed strong improvements in attention span compared to the placebo group.

Also, instances of hyperactivity were decreased significantly in the treatment subjects, but not in placebo group subjects. Finally, these beneficial results diminished to baseline levels after a few weeks of discontinuing the use of pycnogenol supplementation.

Using Pycnogenol can also increase sensitivity to both insulin and leptin and this supplement is observed to exhibit other anti-diabeted effects, such as helping to control blood sugar levels. Additionally, regular usage may inhibit the accumulations of fatty substances in the arteries and organs during periods of oxidative stress.

Also at 200ug/mL doses, pycnogenol was shown to suppress G6PDH mRNA expression. This data implicates pycnogenol for further research concerning its ability to protect against the development of obesity – and numerous conditions that are caused directly by obesity, or correlated with obesity.

Other Therapeutic Uses of Pycnogenol

There are various other uses for which pycnogenol is being investigated. It has shown positive effects concerning the treatment of menopausal symptoms, erectile dysfunction, liver cirrhosis, systemic lupus, varicose veins, thrombosis, diabetes and prediabetes and a number of other ailments and diseases.

Clinical research and experimentation is ongoing to determine the full list of benefits associated with French pine bark extract supplementation.

There are some possible contraindications associated with OTC and/or prescription drugs targeting diabetes, high blood pressure and immunity issues. Consult with a doctor before beginning to use Pycnogenol for ADHD, weight control, skin health, cardiovascular health and more.

SIDE EFFECTS: Rated Possibly Safe for oral use at appropriate dosages. May cause mild adverse effects in a small percentage of users, but no reports of serious side effects in research data. READ MORE...

INTERACTIONS: Anti-Coagulant Drugs, Anti-Diabetes Drugs and Immunosuppressants. May interact with supplements that affect platelet aggregation or that decrease blood sugar.

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